Comparison of Carrying Angle in Athletes and Non-Athletes among Medical Students of the University College of Medicine & Dentistry

Background: The carrying angle of elbow alters with age, gender and anatomical variations, influencing the stability and function of the joint. Due to repetitive stress athletes may experience altered carrying angle, increasing the chances of injuries. Although it has clinical importance limited research is available comparing carrying angle of athletes & non athletes, highlighting a need for focused study. Objective: This study investigates the differences in the carrying angle of elbow joint between athletes and non-athletes among medical students at the University College of Medicine & Dentistry. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out at UCMD for a period of six months. The data was collected and obtained from fifty participants (25 athletes and 25 non-athletes). Both genders were included in our research (age ranging from 18 to 21 years). The participants were included in the study after an informed consent. The carrying angle of students was measured using a goniometer. The data was computed and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data. The results showed that there is a remarkable difference in the carrying angle between athletes & non-athletes, with athletes having a greater carrying angle. This analysis and findings suggest that physical activity, muscular development & repetitive joint movements lead to variations in carrying angle. Such insights are important for a better understanding of joint functions in athletes and also for developing preventive measures in sports medicine to reduce risks associated with abnormal carrying angle. Conclusion: The study concluded that athletes have a greater carrying angle as compared to non-athletes attributed to repetitive physical activities. The carrying angle plays a crucial role in biomechanics, particularly in load distribution & joint stability during physical activities.